No. of Printed Pages-lI
First Pre-Board Examination, 2014-1s
Class-Xll
ENGLISH CORE
Time:3hrs. l
I M.M. : 100
General lnstructions :
(i) This paper is divided into three sections
: A, B, and C. All the sections are
compulsory.
(ii)
(iii)
Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever
necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfulty.
Do not exceed the prescribed word-limit while answering the questions :
sEcTtoN-A (READING SKTLLS)
1.
Read the passage given betow and answer the questions that follow : 10
Marks
1.
ln spite of the honours that we heaped upon him, pasteur, as has been
said, remained simple at heart. perhaps the image ry of his boyhood
days, when he drew the familifar scenes of his birthplace, and the
longing to be a great artist, never wholly left him. ln truth he did becoql
a great,artist, thouglr after his sixteenth year he abandoned the Orfi
forever. Like every artist of worth, he put his whole soul and energy
into his work, and it was this very energy that in the end wore him out.
For him, each sufferer was something more than just a case that was
to be cured. He looked upon the fight aEainst hydrophobia as a battle,
and he was absorbed in his determination to win. The sight of injured
children, particularly, moved him to an indescribable extent. He suffered
with his patients, and yet he would not deny himself a share in that
suffering. His greatest grief was when sheer physical exhaustion made
him give up his active work. He retired to the estate at Vitteneuve Etang,
where he had his kennels for the study of rabies, ahd there he passed
his last summer, as his great biographer, Vallery Radot, has said,
"practicing the Gospel virtues.,,
Class Xll, English Ccre, No. of pages 11, No. of Copies 50 (C)
(2)
2.
"He revered the faith of his fathers, "says the same writer. ,,and wished
without ostentation or mystery to receive its aid during his last period.,'
e
The attitude of this man to the science he had done so much to
perfect can be best summed up in a sentence that he is reputed once
to have uttered, concerning the materialism of many of his
contemporaries in similar branches of learning to his own : The more
I contemplate the mysteries of Nature, the more my faith becomes tike
that of a peasant."
4.
But even then in retirement he loved to see his former pupils, and it
was then he would reiterate his life principles : *work, ,,he would say,
"never cease to work." so well had he kept this precept that he began
rapidly to sink from exhaustion.
tr
Finally on september 27, 1895, when someone leant over his bed to
offer him a cup of milk, he said sadry : "t cannot, ,,and with a look of
perfect resignation and peace, seemed to fall asleep. He never again
opened his eyes to the cares and sufferings of a world, which he had
done so much to relieve and to conquer. He was within three months
of his seventythird birthday.
6.
Thus passed, as simply as a child, the man whom the French people
were to vote at a plebiscite as the greatest man that France had ever
produced. Napoleon, who has always been considered the idol of
France, was placed fifth.
7.
No greater tribute could have been paid to Louis pasteur, the tanner,s
son, the scientist, the man of peace, the patient worker for humanity.
1.1
Answer the foltowing by choosing the best option
(a) All the honours could not away pasteur
(i) from simplicity'fo his heart.
(ii) from his family.
(iii) from his work.
(iv) from painting.
Class Xll, English Core, No. of Pages 11, No. of Copies 50 (C)
:
3 Marks
(3)
(b)
'
(c)
1.2
What moved him most was
(i) a beautiful scenes
(ii) a beautiful painting
(iii) the sight of injured children
(iv) hydrophobia
He felt sorrowful when
(i) he was away from home.
(ii) things did not happen as per his plan.
(iii) physical exhaustion came in his way to work.
(iv) he was away from nature.
4 Marks
Answer the following questions briefly :
(a) Which of the two things he cherished throughout his whole life?
(b) How did Pasteur engage himself in the estate?
(c) What advice did he always give to his pupils?
(d) How did France, the country of his birth, honour this great
scientist?
1.3
Find the words from the passage which mean the same as
:
3 Marks
(a) gave up (Para-1)
(b) . people belonginE to the sante period (Para-3)
(c) vote by the people of the country to decide a matter of national
importance (Para-6)
2.
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
12 Marks
For many years now the governments have been promising the
eradication of child-labour in hazardous industries in lndia. But the truth
is that despite all the rhetoric no government so far has succeeded in
1.
eradicating this evil, nor has any been able to ensure compulsory primary
education for every lndian child. Between 60 and 100 million children
are still at work instead of going to school, and around 10 million are
working in hazardous industries. lndia has the biggest child population
of 380 million in the world, plus the largest number of children who are
forced to earn a living.
Class Xll, English Core, No. of Pages 11, No. of Copies 50 (C)
(3)
1.2
(b)
What moved him most was
(i) a beautiful scenes
(ii) a beautiful Painting
(iii) the sight of injured children
(iv) hydrophobia
(c)
He felt sorrowful when
(i) he was away from home.
(ii) things did not happen as per his plan.
(iii) physical exhaustion came in his way to work'
(iv) he was away from nature.
4 Marks
Answer the fotlowing questions briefly :
(a) Which of the two things he cherished throughout his whole life?
(b) How did Pasteur engage himself in the estate?
(c) What advice did he always give to his pupils?
(d) How did France, the country of his birth, honour this great
scientist?
1.3
Find the words from the passage which mean the same as
:
3 Marks
(a)
(b)
(c)
gave uP (Para-1)
people belonginE to the sanre period (Para-3)
vote by the people of the country to decide a matter of national
importance (Para-6)
2.
follow :
Read the Passage given below and answer the questions that
12 Marks
For many years now the governments have been promising the
the truth
eradication of child-labour in hazardous industries in lndia. But
in
is that despite all the rhetoric no government so far has succeeded
primary
eradicating this evil, nor has any been able to ensure compulsory
education for every lndian child' Between 60 and 100 million children
are still at work instead of going to school, and around 10 million are
population
working in hazardous industries. lndia has the biggest child
million in the world, plus the largest number of children who are
1.
of 380
forced to earn a living.
(C)
Class Xll, English Core, No. of Pages 11, No' of Copies 50
(4)
2.
We have many laws that ban child-labour in hazardous industries.
According to the Child-Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986,
the employment of children below the age of 14 in hazardous
occupations has been strictly banned. But each state has different rules
regarding the minimum age of employent. This makes implementation
of these laws difficult.
3.
Atso, there is no ban on child-labour in non-hazardous occupations. The
Act applies to the organised or factory sector and not the unorganised
or informal sgctor where most chitdren find employment as cleaners,
servanis, porters, waiters etc. among other forms of unskilled work. Thus,
child-labour continues because the implennentation of the existing laws
in lax.
a
4.
special dernand for child labour
because of their nimble fingers, high level of concentration and capacity
to work hard at abysmally .low wages. The carpet industry in U.P. and
Kashmir employs children to make handjknotted carpets. There are
80,000 child workers in Jammu & Kashmir alone. ln Kashmir because
of the politica! unrest, children are forced to work while many schools
are shut. lndustries like gem cutting and polishing pottery and glass want
to remain competitive by employing children.
5.
The truth is that it is poverty which is pushing children into the brutish
labour market. We have 260 million people below the poverty line in
lndia, a large number of them are women. Poor and especially woman
headed families, have no option but to push their little ones in this hard
life in hostile conditions, with no human or labour rights.
6.
There is a lobby which argues that there is nothing wrong with children
working as long as the environmeni for work is conducive to learning
new skills, but studies have shown that the children are made to do
borin$, repetitive and tedious johs and are not taught new skills as they
grow older. ln these hell-holes like the sweet shops of the old there is
There are industries, which have
no hope.
Olass Xll, English Core, No. of Pages 11, No. of Copies 50 (C)
f
(5)
Childrenworkinginhazardousindustriesarepronetodebilitating
By sitting in cramped' damp
diseases which can cripple them for life.
7.
andunhygienicspaces,theirlimbsbecomedeformedfor.life.lnside
they are victims of bronchial
matchstick, fire-works and glass industries
physical development is permanently
diseases and T.B. Their mental and
impairedbytonghoursofwork.oncetrapped,theycan'tgetoutofthis
uneducated and powerless' Finally'
vicious circle of poverty. They remain
send their own children to work.
in later years, they too are compelled to
Child-labour perpetuates its own nightmare'
8.
granting children their rights'
lf at all the government was serious about
anintensiveeffortoughttohavebeenmadetoimplementtheSupreme
punitive action against
court,s Directive ,of 1gg7 which taid down
employersofchild-labour.onlycompulsoryprirnaryeducationcan
eliminate child-labour.
o
2.1
Surely,if3B0millionchildrenaregivenabetterlifeandelementary
be greatly enhanced. But that
education, lndia,s human capital would
needs,asformerPresidentAbdulKalamsays"'asecondvision"'
3 Marks
option :
Answer the following choosing the best
(a)Theimplementation.oflawsbanningchild.labourinhazardous
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
the government lacks will power'
it makes the work easier'
child-labour is cheaper' so prifitable'
(iv)eachstatehasdi{ferentrulesregardingtheminimumage
(b)
of emploYment.
in hazardous industries
The children hardtY get rid of working
because of
the higher wages'
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
vicious circle of PovertY'
their Parents' wish'
the lack of education'
11' No' of Copies 50 (C)
Class Xll, English Core, No' of Pages
(6)
(c)
Children can be granted their rights
onty through :
strict implementation of state laws.
the sincere efforts of their parents.
sincere efforts to imptement the
supreme court,s
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
of
1997.
Directive
better facilities of education.
2.2 Answer the fottowing guestions briefly :
. (i) why has the government not succeeded so far in
, labour? (Any one)
6 Marks
respect of child-
(ii) why do the industries prefer chird rabour? (Any
two)
(iii) which is the onry reason behind the perpetuation
of
(iv) How wiil eradication of chird-tabour benefit rndia? chird_rabour?
(v) what are the adverse effects of hazardous industries
Give any two.
(vi)
on chiftrren?
suggest one measure that you wourd
rike to take to eradicate
child-labour.
2.3
Find words from the passage which
mean the same as the
following :
3 frta*s
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
3.
risky/dangerous (para-1)
very unfriendty (para-S)
intended as punishment (para_B)
Read the passage given berow and
answer the questions that
forow :\
8 Marks
There is nothing more frustrating than
ryhen you sit down at your tabre
to study with the most sincere of intentiofjnd
instead of being able to finish
the task at hand you find your thoughlsffisring.
How"r*, in.r"-al certain
techniques that you can use to enhance
your concentration. ,,your concentration
level depends on a number of factors,,,
says samuet Ghosh,
counselror. "rn order to deverop your
concentration
a
sociar
span, it is necessary to
examine various facets of your physicar
and internat environment,,,she adds.
Class Xll, English Core, No. of pages
11, No. of Copies 50 (C)
(7)
To begin with one should attempt to create the physical environment
that is conducive to focussed thought. Whether it is the radio,
TV or your noisy
neighbours, identify the factors that make it difficult for you
to focus. For
instance, if you live in a very noisy neighbourhood, you
could try to ptan your
study hours in a nearby library.
She disagrees with the notion that people can concentrate or
study in
an environment with distractions like a loud tetevision, blaring music
etc. ,,lf
you are distracted when you are attempting to focus, your
attention and
retention powers do not work at optimum revers,,, cautions
Ghosh. ,,Not more
than two your senses shourd be activated at the same time,,,
she adds. what
that means is that music that bets your feet tapping is not the
accompaniment to your books.
idear
Also do not place your study table or desk in front of a window. ,,While
there is no cure for a mind thdt wants to wander, one should
try and provide
as little stimulus as possibre. Looking out of a window, when you
are trying
to concentrate will invariably send your mind on a tangent,,,says
Ghosh.
The second important thing, she says, is to establish goals
for oneself
instead of setting a general target and then trying to accomplish
what you can
in a haphazard fashion. tt is very important to decide what you
have to finish
in a given span of time. The human mind recognises fixed goals
and targets
and appreciates schedules more than random thoughts. Once your
thoughts
and goals are in line, a focussed system wiil foilow.
She recommends that you divide your schedule into study and recreation
hours. When you study, chodse a mix of subjects that you enjoy
and dislike
and save the former for the last so that you have something to
look forward
to' For instance; if you enjoy verbal skill tests more than mathematical
problems, then finish Maths first. Not only will you
find yourself working harder,
you will have a sense of achievement when you wind
up.
Try not to sit for more than 40 minutes at a stretch. Take
a very shrot
break to make a cup of tea or listen to a song and sit down
again. Under no
circumstances, should one sit for more than one and a
half hours. Short breaks
Class Xll, English Core, No. of pages 11, No. of Copies 50 (C)
L(8)
build youl' concentration and refresh your mind. However, be careful not to
overdo the relaxation. lt rnay have undesired effects.
More then anything else, do not get disheartened. Concentration is
rnerely a matter of diseiplining the rnind. lt comes with practice and patience
and does not take very long to become a habit for life.
(a)
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it
in points only, using abbreviations whenever necessary. Supply a suitable
(b)
title.
5 Marks
Write a surnrnary of the above in about B0 words.
3
sEcTroN,B (wRrTrNG
4.
SKTLLS)
Marks
\
A.K. lnternationa! School is looking for a receptionist for the school. Write an
advertisernent on behalf of the administrative officer in the classified columns
of the local newspaper giving necessary details. Draft the advertisement in not
q
mo!'e than 50 words.
{ Marks
CIr
Surnan/Suresh has cleared the Pre-Medical Pre-Dental entrance examination.
The family is elated at the achievement and they decide to have a get-together
for att friendg. Draft an informal invitation for the get-together.
5"
You are NitirVNatasha a student of Class Xll at K.P.N. Public School Faridabad.
A student is required to cope with a lot of peer pressure in today's competitive
environrnent" Write a letter to the editor of a national daily highlighting the kind
of pressures an adolescent faces and suggest ways to cope with the same.
0r
Write
a
letter
to the
Manager (Publications)
($^M
of Little Flower Company,
[-{yderabad, placing an CIrder for four Books on Management and Administration
recently published by them. You are Flonit/Rohini, l-ibrarian, H.P. Engineering
College, Tirupathi.
Olass Xll, English Core, No. of Pages 't1, No. of Copies 50 (C)
(e)
6.
The invention of mobile phone has brought about a revolution in the lives of
the people in the country. lf used properly it can be a blessing, but if misused
it can prove to be a curse. Write an article is in 150'201
Phone-a boon or bane'" You are Kartit</Krishna.
u",ords
on 'Mobile
\ t Ka:.ka
Or
With the rising number of people in almost all the big cities of the country,
the rate of Crime has increased proportionately, speeially crime against women.
Write an article in abor.rt 150-200 words on 'Crime against Women must be
checked.'
-?
Computer games and video games have become popular with children today.
As a result outdoor games seem to have no place in their life anymore. You
are Mukesh/Meena. You decide to write a speech to be delivered in the school
assembly on your experiences about the joys of playing outdoor games. (15010 Marks
2011 urords)
Or
You are very much concerned about students' active participation in politics.
Write a debate on 'students' lnvolvement in Politics ls Not Good for Their
Future'. The debate may be in favour or against the motion. (150-200 words)
SECTION.C
B.
TEXTBOOKS AND LONG READING TEXTS
LITERATURE
(-,
Read the extract given below and answer the'questions that follow :
4 marks
For far from gusty waves these children's faces.
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn around their pollar
The tall girl with her weighed-down lread.
The paper seeming boy, with rat's eyes.
(i)
\flhat are the children compared to?
Class Xl!, English Core, No. of Pages 11, No. of Copies 50 (C)
:
(10)
(ii)
(iii)
why do you think the tail girr is sitting
with a weighed down head?
Give two phrases which tetl us that
the chirdren are under nourished.
Or
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweat dreams, and health,
and quite breathing.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
9.
what does the poet want to convey
in these tines.
Mention iwo traits of a beautifur thing
as per
the above rines.
Answer the foltowing in g0-40 words
each :
(a) who was Rajkumar shukra? what rore did
(b)
(c)
(d)
10.
Explain : ,A thing of beauty is a joy
forever,.
,A
Explain :
bower quite,.
12 marks
he pray at champ aran?
Justify the statement that sophic is
a character who lives in her dreams.
How did Mr. Lamb inftuence the young
Derry for the better?
How does the poet bring out the images
of dishormony between man
and nature in 'Keeping Quite' and how
it can be resorved?
Answer anyone of the foilowing in about
120-150 words :
A person with his weakness is provoked
by worrdy peopre and he fails prey
to such frows in him. The rear personarity,
according to the author, is that
remains unfrinching in ail sorts of provocations.
rt,s an equanimity.
Explain and highlight the message inherent
in the tesson, ,The
Or
Rattrap,.
6 nr*"M
How doei humanity dorninate" patriotism
as per the message given in the
lesson'The Enemy,.
1
2
(1 1)
11.
Answer anyone of the following in about 120-rs0 words.
How did the instructor make Dougras a good simmer?
t ttt"*lna
Or
'Lost Spering' explains the grinding poverty and traditions that
condemn
thousands of peopte to a rife of abject poverty. Do you
agree? why? why
not?
12'
Elucidate the statement : 'Griffin is the representation
humanity; in the light of his character as portrayed in
of Science without
the novel.
words).
13'
Discuss the characteristics
(120-150
,6tltt+".k1
of rural as well as urban community as exposed
in 'The tnvisible Man'. What differences do you come across
between the two
through your reading of the
novel?
Class Xll, English Core, No. of pages 11, No. of Copies 50 (C)
(
nt"_r.lrra